Barber in Wangaratta praised for stopping knife-wielding driver after MP Helen Haines was struck
A barber named Ricky Jefferies intervened, disarmed a driver and held him until police arrived after MP Helen Haines was hit by a Toyota LandCruiser in Wangaratta.
When Helen Haines was struck by a white Toyota LandCruiser outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, barber Ricky Jefferies rushed from his shop and confronted the driver, believing it to be a traffic accident at first. He seized a knife from the suspect, held him down and waited for police, preventing possible additional injuries. Haines, 65, is in critical condition following emergency surgery at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Jefferies on national television, describing him as a good Samaritan and hero. The driver, a 43-year-old man from nearby Tarrawingee, was taken into custody. Police are investigating whether the attack was deliberate and if the two knew each other, while the community left flowers and a note at Jefferies' barbershop in gratitude.
Why it matters
The incident highlights public safety concerns and the impact of civilian intervention during violent attacks on public figures.
How this story developed
- Oct 19 Independent MP Helen Haines critically injured in vehicle attack, suspect detained
- Oct 19 The arrested driver was transferred to Wangaratta Police Station.
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